Abstract
Introduction: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disease representing the most frequent cause of acute flaccid symmetrical weakness of the limbs and areflexia usually reaching its peak within a month. The etiology and pathogenesis remain largely enigmatic and the syndrome results in death or severe disability in 9–17% of cases despite immunotherapy. Areas covered: In terms of etiology, Guillain-Barré syndrome is linked to Campylobacter infection but less than 0.1% of infections result in the syndrome. In terms of pathogenesis, activated macrophages and T cells and serum antibodies against gangliosides are observed but their significance is unclear. Expert commentary: Guillain-Barré syndrome is a heterogeneous condition with numerous subtypes and recent data point towards the role of ganglioside epitopes by immunohistochemical methods. Ultimately, the syndrome results from a permissive genetic background on which environmental factors, including infections, vaccination and the influence of aging, lead to disease.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1175-1189 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Expert Review of Clinical Immunology |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 11 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 1 2016 |
Keywords
- autoimmune neuropathy
- Guillain-Barré
- immune tolerance
- infection and immunity
- Molecular mimicry
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Immunology and Allergy
- Immunology